Richard David Walker P.E., Ph.D.

Richard David Walker, P.E., Ph.D. stepped forth on the Heavenly Highway to answer God’s call on Monday, January 12, 2015 in the presence of his loving family. The son of Stanton and Amelia Ramseyer Walker, Richard was preceded in death by his three brothers, Emil, John, and Robert Walker.

Left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife, Alice (Peg) Walker, their three daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia Jordan (Paul), Jean White (Alvin), and Sharyl Ogle (Marcus); their six grandchildren, Heather Jordan Murphy (Jason), Richard Jordan (Ashtin), David Jordan (Kasey), Cathy Jordan Purvis (Michael), Cameron White, and Mariah White; as well as numerous adored nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbors, friends, and associates.

Dick and Peg met in junior high school and graduated together from Montgomery Blair High School and the University of Maryland. Dick was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. The newlyweds moved to Lafayette, Indiana, where Dick received his M.S. at Purdue University. They then moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Dick served at Elmendorf Air Force Base, and their first daughter, Patty, was born. Returning to Purdue, Dick earned his Ph.D., and second daughter, Jean, arrived. Upon graduation, the family moved briefly to Christiansburg, Virginia. As soon as their new home was built, they moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, and daughter Sharyl was born. Enough moving! Dick served the Department of Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech for thirty-five years before retiring.

Dick was a high school quarterback, captain of his football team, an avid sports fan, lifelong supporter of the Washington Senators (Nationals), Washington Redskins, and Virginia Tech Hokies. His interests included classical music, photography, daily walks, golf, Sunday school and church, charitable organizations, but most of all he was devoted to his family, and to his Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, 107 West Main Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073 on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 2:00 PM. The family will greet visitors in the church fellowship hall following the service. The cremated remains will be laid to rest at the Virginia Tech Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Christiansburg Presbyterian Church or to the Richard and Alice Walker Civil Engineering Scholarship Fund, c/o The Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 200 Patton Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to friends for their thoughts and prayers and to all the health professionals who cared so compassionately for Dick.